Entrepreneurs, Drummers, and Merry Christmas
Peter Skalla, MBA, CFA
I help teams at high potential scaleups and turnarounds execute dramatic growth and build a company that matters in the world. I apply the principles of Agile software development at the company-building level.
On my way home from driving my daughter to school last week* a particularly beautiful rendition of “The Little Drummer Boy” came on the radio. The song has always touched me deeply, portraying that one with seemingly nothing to offer could offer so much. A new thought struck me on this hearing—the message of the Drummer Boy is also the message of the entrepreneur.
From the great wise men of distant lands to the poorest of the local village, they came to the manger to honor the promised newborn King.
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pa pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pa pum pum
The little boy was invited to join. The opportunity to contribute was open to all who would come. Knowing he had not the gifts of the world to offer, certainly no gold or frankincense or myrrh, the boy combined hand, head, and heart to give his very best. Joining with such as were available, the boy played his drum for Him as the ox and lamb kept time. The result was simple and profound.
Then He smiled at me, pa rum pa pum pum
Me and my drum
When we come
The story of the Drummer Boy is not scriptural or historical. And the message behind it is probably not meant to apply to commercial activities like a startup. But this Christmas season I’m reminded of the beauty and dignity of entrepreneurship. You apply talents, toil, creativity and heart to create something innovative and sometimes even profound in the broad, open and beautiful spectrum that startup entrepreneurship is.
Whatever your faith or creed, I hope you’ll accept my Merry Christmas wishes in the spirit of respect for those who innovate and reverence for traditions that inspire us to create. Keep moving your mountains and may the coming New Year bring fruition to your hopes and hard work.
#Entrepreneurship #Startups #SiliconSlopes #KingAndCountry #Christmas
_____________
*This is a repost of a blog I wrote in December 2013. https://startupfinance.info/2013/12/24/entrepreneurs-drummers-merry-christmas/ This year, I have a new favorite rendition of the song, linked at the top.
Entrepreneurship Center Director at Snow College
3 年Pete - love your post and love that song!
Pete I appreciate how thoughtful you are - beautiful analogy...